If you’re a reality TV-lover, then Ashley Thomson from Vancouver, Canada, is basically living your dream life. The TikTok reporter began her social media pages in 2022, covering some of our favorite shows like The Ultimatum, Love is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, and more when her numbers blew up.
Supplied by @realityashley
Now, her day-to-day is filled with what these TV personalities are up to, spilling the tea to loyal viewers and fans.
@realityashley It premieres July 14! 🙌💕 #toohottohandle #toohottohandle5 #toohotnetflix #th2h #netflix #realitytv ♬ Candy
Scroll down below to read reality TV reporter Ashley’s story…
I’ve been watching reality TV for almost as long as they’ve been making it. I was a restaurant manager at the time, and every Wednesday, I would put the episode on the big screen to watch, the sense of community and bonding with friends while viewing and discussing it was what really got me hooked.
Supplied by @realityashley
It started with Survivor when I was younger, and then really got into America’s Next Top Model (naturally). Then, during the first season of Netflix’s Ultimatum, Madlyn’s expressions were just so hilarious that I had to share my thoughts about her on TikTok. I didn’t realize until that moment that there were so many others with the same interests as me, as soon as I reported it, I never looked back.
The Ultimatum Marry or Move On Season 1. (L to R) Madlyn Ballatori and Colby Kissinger.
Growing up, entertainment news has always been fascinating to me. I studied journalism at university before switching my major because I always thought that living outside of a major city would limit my ability to report on things like reality TV. The world of social media has presented so many opportunities and connections for me, and I’ve been able to pursue my passion. Now, on any given day, my inbox is flooded with tips from fellow reality TV lovers, conversations with cast members, and information from inside sources such as casting directors or people involved with the shows that I watch.
By far, the most dramatic and memorable time in my career was Raven and SK’s cheating scandal from Love is Blind season 3. News was changing by the second and I recall having to stop mid-grocery shop to report on their breakup. I believe I was the first person to post about it, and I pride myself on my sense of urgency. The news never stops and neither do I!
Love is Blind season 3. (L to R) SK Alagbada, Raven Ross.
Unsurprisingly, my favourite reality TV binge-watch is Love is Blind. The fan base is like no other and the audience gets so involved. It’s also so amazing to see the great couples that have been formed this season and watch as they navigate married life post-show. Every day is different and exciting in reality TV reporting – I never know what new information will come to light at any given moment. I check my sources every morning and then I decide what to go ahead and share. I usually steer clear of rumours, and unless something is confirmed to me by a cast member, I won’t post it.
The Ultimatum Marry or Move On Season 1. (L to R) Randall Griffin and Madlyn Ballatori.
I’m proud to say that I’ve been known to defend an underdog or stand up for what’s right, although my followers may have their personal biases and they’re passionate, they still hold the same beliefs as me. It’s important when you’re reporting to always try to show both sides of the story so that people are able to come to their own conclusions. The discussions that are had on my page can be so enlightening and I love hearing everyone’s perspectives. Even when people disagree, they’re still learning about how and why someone else may have a different view and I love that.